The Last Outlaw(111)

“You have a long ride ahead of you, Jake Harkner,” Randy scolded. “Eat something.”

Jake kept the cigarette between his lips as he grabbed a biscuit and coffee and walked over to the fireplace. Little Jake followed.

“Mom told me what you’re doin’, Grampa. You could take me and Ben and Stephen with you. We know how to use guns now, and we helped you get Grandma back last winter.”

Jake set the biscuit and cup of coffee on the fireplace mantel and took the cigarette from his lips. He put a hand on Little Jake’s shoulder. “Little Jake, I am grateful for your offer, and by God, I don’t doubt all three of you would be a big help. But this is something I have to do alone, for reasons no one in this room understands. And I’ll feel a whole lot better knowing you three are right here watching after your grandmother, Evie, and Katie while I’m gone, especially the times when Lloyd and the men have to leave for other things. I know the ladies and your little sister and Sadie Mae and the babies will be in good hands.”

Little Jake straightened, puffing out his chest a little. Jake scrutinized him closer. He was growing fast, and the boy was exceedingly handsome. He’d be a lady-killer someday. “Little Jake, I believe you’ll soon be so big we’ll have to stop calling you Little Jake. You’re clear up past my elbow. I swear you’ve grown a good three inches just since last winter.”

“Sure I have! I’m gonna be tall like you and Uncle Lloyd!”

Jake reached over and drank some coffee. “I think you will be.” He glanced at Gretta as she walked closer, looking him over.

“If I didn’t know you, you’d scare the hell out of me right now. I’m thinking maybe you really can take on all those men down there.” She shook her head, lowering her voice. “If you weren’t so happily married, by God, I’d give you a hell of a send-off.”

Jake grinned. “My wife already did, which is why my hip is giving me a time this morning.”

Gretta let out a bawdy laugh. “You’re something else, Jake Harkner. A person is damn lucky when they can call you a friend.” She sobered then, her eyes tearing. “I don’t know what to say, except if God listens to somebody like me, you’ll be okay, because I’ll be praying for you. And something tells me he does listen to that beautiful daughter of yours.”

Jake drank some more coffee and took his cigarette from where he’d left it on the fireplace mantel. “I’m sure He does, Gretta.”

Gretta wiped at a tear. “Damn it! I don’t usually cry so damn easy.”

Jake reached out and squeezed her shoulder. “I’ll get your daughter back or die trying, Gretta. That’s a promise.”

Gretta moved her arms around his middle for a quick hug. “Don’t talk about dying, Jake. Just get my Annie out of there.”

Jake hugged her in return, then left her and limped over to the door, where his rifle and shotgun sat propped. “I’m going to get Cole,” he announced. “There’s no time to waste.”

“Jake, give us a little more time!” Randy chided. “We should all eat something first.”

Jake shook his head. “It’s hard enough leaving all of you. There’s no sense dragging this out.”

He put on his Stetson and picked up the long guns and his duffel, then grabbed a sheepskin-lined corduroy jacket from a nearby coat stand and walked outside.

“Damn him,” Lloyd swore under his breath. He hurried out, and the whole family followed as Rodriguez helped Jake tie everything onto Outlaw. The horse and packhorse were ready to go, and Cole was already mounted and waiting. He nodded to Jake. “I’m ready if you are, boss.”

“Daddy, you promised to wait and let me pray first,” Evie told him.

Jake shoved the shotgun and rifle into leather straps on Outlaw. “You’ve done enough praying for me, Evie. I imagine the Good Lord is getting tired of hearing it. He’s probably up there somewhere shaking His head and telling you to give it up, because there is no hope for your father.”

“Daddy!”

Jake turned, taking the cigarette from his mouth and stepping it out. He sighed and walked up to his daughter, wrapping her in his arms. “A man couldn’t be more blessed with children than I am with you and Lloyd, Evie. I’m sorry when I get like this. It’s just how I am.”

Evie leaned up and kissed his cheek. “You let all the kids hug you before you go. They deserve that much. And maybe it will remind you of all the reasons you have to come back home.”

Jake pressed his hands to either side of her face and kissed her forehead. “You have no idea how many times I’ve thanked God for that husband of yours, Evie.” He glanced at Brian and reached out to shake his hand. “It’s a good feeling to know my daughter is so loved, Brian. Not many men could handle what you’ve been through. And thanks for Little Jake and Sadie Mae and my sweet baby girl, Esther.”